Hugo positive ahead of World Cup

With the countdown to the start of the World Cup gaining momentum, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is ready to lead France out in Brazil with his usual air of composure.

Our popular stopper, who made 45 appearances in all competitions for us during the domestic season, is expected to once again captain his country at the tournament.

And with just one more friendly – a tough test against Jamaica on Sunday – still to come before the start of the competition, Hugo is maintaining his cautious yet positive facade ahead of his nation’s appearance on the biggest stage in world football.

“We are looking forward to it,” began Hugo, with his side set to meet Honduras, Switzerland and Ecuador – who drew 2-2 with England on Wednesday night – in Group E.

“We’ll enjoy it, but we want to be competitive as well so we will go with ambition and with respect for our opponents.”

The 27-year-old would dearly love to help his nation achieve something special this summer, but he insists the initial objective is to ensure qualification for the knockout stages.

“I think the first goal is to go through from the group stage,” he said. “After that it’s the last 16 and it’s effectively another tournament because you play only one game so it’s very open and anything could happen.

“But before that we have to be focussed on our preparations. We have to work hard in the remaining friendly game and after that try to have a good competition.”